HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 243 



of absolute imbecility at the sight of this little 

 animal, and gives itself up to it without resistance, 

 making at the same time the most piteous outcries. 



The bite of the Weasel is generally fatal. It 

 seizes its prey near the head, and fixes its sharp 

 teeth into a vital part. A Hare, Rabbit, or any 

 other small animal, bitten in this manner, is never 

 known to recover; but lingers for some time and 

 dies. The wound is so small, that the place where 

 the teeth enter can scarcely be perceived. 



It is remarkably active, and will run up the sides 

 of a wall with such facility, that no place is secure 

 from it. 



The Weasel is very useful to the farmer, and is 

 much encouraged by him. During winter it fre- 

 quents his barns, out-houses, and granaries ; which 

 it effectually clears of Rats and Mice. It is, indeed, 

 a more deadly enemy to them than even the Cat 

 itself; for being more active and slender, it pursues 

 them into their holes, and kills them after a short 

 resistance. It creeps also into Pigeon-holes, and 

 destroys the young ones ; catches Sparrows, and all 

 kinds of small birds ; and when it has brought 

 forth its young, it hunts with still greater boldness 

 and avidity. In summer, it ventures to a distance 

 from its usual haunts ; is frequently found by the 

 side of waters, near corn-mills ; and is almost sure 

 to follow wherever a swarm of Rats has taken 

 possession of any place. 



The evening is the time when it begins its de- 

 predations. Towards the close of the day it may 

 frequently be seen stealing from its hole, and creep- 

 ing about the farmer's yard in search of its prey. 

 If it enter the place where poultry are kept, it 

 seldom attacks the Cocks or the old Hens, but 



